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NSP and USCP Honor Kubecka

National Sorghum Producers and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Bill Kubecka, a champion for sorghum and agriculture. Kubecka passed away April 30.

Kubecka leaves a legacy of service to the sorghum industry and related industries. His legacy was marked not only by his service to agriculture through leadership positions, but also his character while working with agriculturists in his community, throughout the U.S. and around the world.

At the Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America in January, Kubecka was honored with NSP’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Sorghum Industry, the highest award bestowed by the organization. He was chosen for this award because of his time and efforts dedicated to sorghum’s interests. Kubecka served as the Texas Sorghum Association President, NSP President and Legislative Committee Chairman, U.S. Grains Council Sorghum Sector Representative on the Council’s board of directors, and a United Sorghum Checkoff Program Chairman on the founding board of directors.

Throughout his life, Kubecka remained active and engaged in the advocacy process for sorghum and U.S. sorghum producers. Because of the advocacy he demonstrated, he became very influential in the process of passing the 1996 and 2002 Farm Bills, testifying in front of Congress multiple times. He gave generously to the organization and congressional members he believed in. His influence also led to significant changes in NSP and USCP with the founding of the Checkoff.

While Kubecka was very active in service and leadership positions, he also had a love for his community. After attending Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, he and his wife, Maxine, started a veterinary clinic in Palacios, Texas, to serve the farmers and ranchers of the community. Remaining in the community allowed Kubecka to be an excellent husband, father and friend to those he truly cared for.

Kubecka’s leadership was emblematic of the influence producers can have on policy at all levels. His example was one that was looked upon by many within the organizations he served.

Kubecka will be greatly missed by NSP, USCP and the agriculture industry. We will forever be grateful for the leadership and change he brought to the industry he loved, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the family he leaves behind.